Immigration Interview for Married Couples
Marriage immigration interviews can be even more intimidating than individual interview. The documentation part is also extensive in this case.
When a married couple attends an immigration interview unprepared, the consequences can be far reaching. A majority of the couples have to sign up for reapplication. In worst cases, non preparation or wrong submission of documents, have led to arrests and even deportations. This stresses the vitality of accurate preparation.
Tips for Marriage Residency Case Immigration Interviews
- Immigration interview through marriage is a long process. The time taken between application submission to the actual interview may stretch anywhere between six months to a year. Couples must use this time to gather all the necessary documents mentioned in the notice.
- Make sure all your documents are in a proper order. Gather all the evidences that prove your marital status. Most probably, you will be required to bring original copies of joint bank account statements, address proofs, lease agreements, photo identity with new name and changed marital status etc.
- To impress upon the officer that your marriage is genuine, bring in photographs of your marriage. Essentially those, where you take the wedding vows. Try to collect more number of photos. To provide more solid proof, include photographs of other functions that you have attended together as a couple. It could be a friend's party or a close family function at home. Photographs taken over a period of time while socializing with friends and relatives seal all the doubts about your marital status.
- Revise all the details relating to your courtship and marriage with your spouse. In a marriage residency case, immigration authorities will ask questions to each spouse separately based on their marriage. Any discrepancies found in the answers will result in rejection of the application.
If possible, bring evidences of your claims. Again, photographs with time lines will serve as assured proofs to your statements. However, be prepared for a session of cross questioning. Counter questioning helps the officers to determine the genuineness of your case.
- You are supposed to arrange for an interpreter, if you need one. Inability to communicate with the officer due to language barriers will be a sure way to get your immigration application to be rejected. Hire a professional interpreter, certified for such jobs.
- Similarly, if there is a lot of documentation and paperwork that cannot be handled by you or your spouse, it is highly recommended that you seek help from immigration attorney. These attorneys are trained to handle the immigration matters. Hiring an attorney will help you smoothen out the entire process.
- Pay attention to your dressing style for the interview. Dress conservatively as you would dress for a job interview. Avoid casual clothing to create a good impression about yourselves.
- Know when to speak and when not to speak. This is an interview, therefore, avoid idle chat sessions. Do not indulge in private talks or; disturb the officer while he is examining your papers and forms. It is perfectly acceptable to stay mum at such times.
